Wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has staked a claim for a place in the Kent side after scoring a century for the 2nd XI.

The 37 year old skippered the combined Kent and Northamptonshire side as they drew with their Warwickshire counterparts in a three day game at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury.

With a blend of players from both Kent and Northants, Jones’ innings helped the side to a comfortable draw in the first 2nd XI fixture of the new season.

Having been displaced by Sam Billings in the 1st XI, Jones was keen to impress as he pushes for his place back in the side and his 119 ball unbeaten innings which included 16 fours and a six will have gone a long way to show that he is not a spent force.

The game saw Jones win the toss and elect to bat with the combined Kent and Northants side post 326 for 9 declared, with Fabian Cowdrey getting some useful time out in the middle, opening up the innings and scoring 60.

Northants all-rounder Olly Stone was to impress with the bat as he hit 112, with Alex Blake (2) and Adam Ball (0) not making the most of their opportunities first time around.

Batting was easier still for the Warwickshire side with Will Porterfield (118), Ateeq Javid (200) and Sam Hain (97 not out) all filling their boots against an attack that was to see David Griffiths pull up after just three overs after injuring his right bicep.

The Warwickshire side eventually declared on 498 for 8 with Kent spinner Jack Laraman catching the eye by taking 6/128 in his spell of almost 33 overs.

It was Jones that stole the show though on Thursday as he rolled back the years and hit his unbeaten century with Cowdrey (28) and Blake (20) making significant contributions.

Having brought up his century, Jones was to declare with the side on 229 for 3, leaving no time for the visitors to bat again.

With Kent beginning their second County Championship fixture of the season against Leicestershire at Canterbury on Sunday, Jones has certainly given Jimmy Adams and co plenty to think about.

Picture supplied by www.sarahansellphotography.com

Full scorecard here: http://www.totalcricketscorer.com/TCSLive/tcsscorecard.aspx?id=20723